About us

At The Co-operative, our graduates feel good about their work. Not just because they are getting the kind of graduate training and exposure most can only dream of. Not simply because they are getting straight into business critical projects – and work which is important to the wider world. They feel good because we are who we are, a business that is commercially focused and ethically guided.

We’ve got 15 different businesses, from food to pharmacy, from funerals to legal services, and much more. We boast 4,900 outlets, 110,000 people, and a turnover of £10.1 billion. But the real difference lies not just in what we do. It’s what we are – a co-operative, and the world’s largest consumer co-operative at that.

Unlike a plc, we don’t just exist to make profit. Everything we do is for the benefit of our customers and the community as a whole. We are driven by our social goals and our co-operative values give us a positive advantage - for instance, we already sell more Fairtrade products than any other retailer.

We have been voted the UK’s most trusted brand and our ethics are the foundation of our business. But that doesn’t mean we are any less ambitious – we are investing 1.5 billion into our business over the next 3 years and are reported to be the fastest growing retailer. The wide ranging nature of our business offers a depth and breadth of challenge unrivalled by any other organisation.

Our graduate recruitment opportunities

If you want a rewarding graduate career that won’t compromise your values, we can offer you two stimulating and comprehensive programmes: Business Management or Finance.

Our Business Management programme lasts 18 months. During this time, you’ll play a key role in shaping the business by working on high profile change initiatives spanning the length and breadth of our businesses. In short, everything you need to become a future leader at The Co-operative Group.

Alternatively, if you have a passion for finance you might want to consider our CIMA accredited Finance programme. Over three years, you’ll gain excellent experience of accounting software packages, along with a detailed overview of financial processes. At the same time, you’ll sharpen your commercial awareness and gain a broad perspective on financial strategy.

Whichever path you choose you will receive a comprehensive and tailored development programme which includes a self-development budget, leadership training and sponsorship to undertake a professional qualification, as well as support from a senior mentor.

Who are we looking for?

Both our graduate programmes offer plenty of challenge, so you’ll need to be confident, tenacious, resilient and flexible. Early responsibility and a high profile are exciting prospects, but you’ll need to work hard to earn credibility and respect. But give us your best, and you’ll gain a leadership role in a business with a very bright future.

To make it on to our graduate programme, you’ll need a 2:2 in any degree discipline; we have no UCAS point entry requirements.

There is no other graduate programme like this and no other business like ours. We’re the big business you can believe in. For more information, click on the “visit organisation website” link above.